A delegation from the Federal Ministry of Education, Abuja, has confirmed the potential commencement of academic activities at the newly established Federal University of Agriculture and Development Studies, Iragbiji, Osun State, before the end of 2025. The confirmation came during a three-day facility inspection visit led by Mrs. Ilyasu, Director of the University Education Department.
Speaking during the on-the-spot assessment on Tuesday, Mrs. Ilyasu, who led the inspection team, expressed satisfaction with the infrastructure in place and the level of preparedness by the host community. She noted that the university could begin admitting students as early as October 2025, pending the appointment of principal officers and subsequent resource verification by the National Universities Commission (NUC).
“Your commitment shows you’re ready to take the bull by the horns,” she stated during a press briefing at the permanent site. “Once principal officers are appointed, the NUC—represented here by Dr. Victoria Pillah—will conduct a resource verification to determine the institution’s readiness. We believe this university is well on its way to receiving students.”
The team visited the Administrative Block, the Take-off Site, and the Permanent Campus, all of which were reported to be in advanced stages of completion. According to Mrs. Ilyasu, inserting the university in the JAMB brochure would be a crucial step in allowing prospective students to change their institution of choice in time for the 2025/2026 academic session.
Earlier in the visit, the delegation was received by the Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Oba Rasheed Ayotunde Olabomi Odundun IV, who also serves as the Pro-Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB). The monarch expressed his gratitude to the Federal Government and urged that academic activities commence before the end of the year.
“Our prayer as a community is for stakeholders to ensure that programmes begin before the year ends,” Oba Odundun said.
The delegation also paid a courtesy visit to Mrs. Kafayat Oyetola, wife of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola. Mrs. Oyetola assured the team of the community’s full support, revealing that both she and the monarch had offered personal properties and accommodations for immediate use by the university.
“I’m ready to relinquish hectares of land and buildings to support the take-off of this university,” she affirmed. “Kabiyesi has also demonstrated rare patriotism by making his resources available.”
The inspection team included top officials from the Ministry of Education and the NUC: Dr. Victoria Pillah (Deputy Director, NUC), Mr. Emmanuel Onung (Deputy Director, University Education Department), and Assistant Directors Mr. Paul Okpe and Mrs. Martha Ayesukwe.
The visit follows President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent approval of the university, signaling a strong federal commitment to expanding access to agricultural and technological education in the country.
